Fitzroy's Journey

The truth is painful yet liberating; it peals away the myopic veil from one’s eyes and provides oxygen for one’s soul. August 22, 2018 will always be etched in my memory and I suspect in the memory of my siblings as well. My dad has been in relatively good health especially given his age. You see my dad is an octogenarian. His yearly physicals were good until the summer of 2018 when something showed up. It is never good news when you receive a call from your family doctor.  I had no choice but to go and speak with the doctor who told me that my dad needed to see a specialist for further consultation regarding his kidneys. At that very moment the worst thoughts come to visit with no intention to leave. God is good! The entire family had some amount of fear. The year was 1982; I lost my beloved aunt Madge on my mother’s side of the family to renal failure. I was in primary school then but her death nonetheless affected me greatly. She was the first family member to have died; she died in the prime of her life, early 30’s.  My dad’s appointment was scheduled for Wednesday, August 22 at 11 am at the University Hospital of the West Indies. My brother and I accompanied our dad. Dad is a diabetic. Fitzroy also suffers from hypertension among other health issues. A few weeks prior to dad seeing this nephrologist our dad gave us a scare. I recall hearing a thump-like sound one evening whilst in my room. I immediately called out to my dad since I heard him going into the bathroom. I heard no response so I went to investigate the strange sound. Before getting to the bathroom I felt a gut feeling that something was not right. Something was clearly so wrong. Dad had fallen and he could not get up by himself. At that very moment a flood of emotions overtook my being. I thought about whether dad had suffered a stroke or a heart attack.  My brother and I lifted him off the floor and walked him to bed. We got him his pillow and sheet. I asked him a few questions. He was alert and coherent in his responses and that gave me reason to be hopeful.  A decision was made to watch him during the night.  On the morning of August 22, 2018 we arrived early for dad’s appointment. His blood glucose level; blood pressure and urine were checked along with other vitals before the nephrologist saw him. We took along the referral letter as well as the results of his last physical. “What brings you here Fitzroy?” the doctor asked my dad. My dad does not really talk much. I jumped in and told the doctor why he was there. After a few minutes of questions, note taking, reading of the referral letter and reviewing the blood tests results the doctor told my dad to go on the examination table. I must say Dad was given a thorough examination.  Dad got dressed and returned to his seat after which we braced for the diagnosis. You guessed it; dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease. It was an anti-climatic moment! The doctor said that dad did not require dialysis. If there was a glimmer I guess that was it. The months to follow were going to be extremely challenging especially since my younger brother would be migrated. The doctor made the decision to change some of my dad’s medications and told us to make an appointment for follow up consultation. Life goes on, but the quality of life and problems associated are another ball game for another time. I have learnt so much since my dad’s diagnosis. The kidneys act as a filter of wastes and excess fluids from your body, which are then excreted in your urine. Chronic kidney disease is the loss of kidney function. There are five stages of Kidney Disease. The patient with stage 5 kidney disease requires dialysis or a transplant since the patient’s kidneys can no longer function. According to the Mayo Clinic, diseases and conditions which cause chronic kidney disease include type 1 or 2 diabetes and hypertension. Unfortunately, my dad has both and has had them for quite some time. The doctor told us that Dad would be required to do some lifestyles changes in order that the remaining function of the kidney will last him. As a renal patient my dad’s diet had to change. He was required to see a dietician and he was given a meal plan which outlined which foods he can eat and which foods to avoid. A renal diet is designed to decrease the workload of the kidneys. Patients with kidney disease should limit the amount of Potassium in their diet. Potassium is found mainly in fruits and vegetables, milk, meat, dried peas, beans, nuts and whole grains. If one’s kidneys are not working urea can build up in the bloodstream and may cause symptoms of loss of appetite and fatigue. It is important to note that kidney patients must also watch their fluid intake. Too much sodium in the diet will make you thirst more and develop an urge to drink more fluids; therefore the sodium intake must be controlled. My dad has to avoid processed meats and some vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes. He also has to avoid pumpkin and avocado pear. It has been a challenging journey thus far. On Monday, December 17, 2018 my dad complained of itching all over his back and neck. I looked at it and I applied some anti-itch cream, I gave him some DPH and antihistamine to take. By the following day, the condition remained the same. On Wednesday, December 19, 2018 I took my dad to the doctor where he was diagnosis with an allergic reaction. The doctor gave him an injection, a steroid in the form of a topical ointment as well as tablets. We thought all would be okay. However, on Thursday, December 20, the rash had spread and my dad was itching all over. I took him to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). We arrived at the Casualty department at approximately 9:45 am. After an initial assessment by a senior nurse my dad was seen hours later by a doctor who diagnosed him with Pityriasis Rosea. He was given an injection, Promethazine, and also Prednisone (5mg) which is a steroid. He was also given hydration fluids. The doctor also ordered blood tests which returned normal. My dad and I spent almost an entire day at the (UHWI). We left the hospital at 4pm and headed to the pharmacy to fill the prescription.  
On Friday, December 21, my dad was outside when he fell as he lost his balance whilst his car was being started. He fell on his back and injured his left knee; it was only the grace of God which kept the car from running over his body.   On Christmas Eve, while everyone was getting ready to celebrate my dad fell ill. His legs fell asleep and I found him on the floor of the bathroom. I sought and received some assistance to lift him. We placed him on the back seat of the car with a pillow under his head as he could not sit up; however, he was conscious all the time. I rushed Fitzroy to the University Hospital of the West Indies. I will never forget December 2018. Upon arrival at the hospital I was directed to the Accident and Emergency Unit where a porter lifted my dad from the car and placed him in a wheelchair. By now it was approaching midnight. The male doctor on duty ordered a pelvic, hip and knee X-rays. There were no broken or fractured bones. The X-ray only showed arthritis and at 84 I guess this is not unusual. Hours had passed and by now the shift at the hospital had changed and another doctor reviewed my dad. Dad was still unable to walk, his blood pressure was taken and blood glucose levels. At one point his sugar level was dangerously low at 2.9. The nurse told me to get him something to eat which I did promptly. At approximately 1:30 pm the doctor told me that my dad was free to go. I questioned this junior doctor why he was sending my dad home despite him being unable to walk without assistance. Anyway I believe God has a way to get us where he wants us to be, so I wheeled my dad out and we went home to have our Christmas. At approximately 5 pm my dad collapsed in the bathroom, again I called out for help. I was too tired to drive so I called a taxi. We placed Dad in the car and headed to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). Dr Perez who saw my dad immediately ordered an ECG to rule out a heart attack. The test was normal. A chest X-ray was ordered which also returned normal. She made the decision to admit my dad. The porter was called and he took him to ward 2A, which is a medical facility. The taxi driver waited for me during all this time. I returned home where my mom and I packed a bag with some of dad’s clothes and I returned to KPH. I was on the ward with dad until almost midnight. This was my dad’s first time being hospitalized. This was quite exhaustive on my part as I visited my dad twice daily, at 11 to midday and then again from 4.30 to 6 pm.  My mom’s blood pressure went to uncharted territory during this time and I must add her blood pressure was always high. My dad spent Christmas and New Years in hospital. He was discharged on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. During his time at KPH my dad had several hypoglycemic episodes. He is now on Insulin four times per day, yet despite all this Insulin, 51 units daily his blood glucose levels are still high and a cause for concern.  My dad is still very weak and on Saturday January 5, 2019 his legs gave out. I again called out for assistance. On Monday, January 7, I took my dad to our family doctor where he told my dad to discontinue to soluble Insulin. Dad now takes 10 units of long acting Insulin daily along with tablets. The doctor also told my dad to stop five other medications. Since then dad has regained some strength. I monitor his condition by taking and recording his blood glucose levels daily. “I need new fingers.” those words are frequently used by my dad. No one likes needles. There are many thank you. To all those who have prayed and continue to pray, I say thanks. I thank the doctors and the nursing staff at both hospitals. Despite being overseas my siblings Steve, Peaches and Bryan all gave of their best. To Nerissa, his daughter who showed up every morning at the hospital to ensure that dad was bathed; it was a labour of love.  Fitzroy’s journey is still unfolding. In the words of my Dad, I am holding on. I am not in the give up business. 
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo

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